02-23-15 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 23.2015 Council has decided to take a stand on this issue. Tony spoke in favor of this bill. Tony urged the Council's favorable adoption of this resolution. Why do we need to have total repeal? Councilmember Varner, stated I'd like to embark a different take, for example the circumstance that exist such as the CSO project, if wages continues to spiral you'll see more automation and less jobs. Varner states, just because something has been around for eighty years doesn't mean it's the best thing or the best practice, everything needs to undergo some change or review at some point. Another issue is that the bill doesn't set an upper limit maybe such negotiation could take place for higher wages. The assumption is that because something changes it's changing for the worse and that's not always the case. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic, stated that he liked the common construction wage which is decided by five board members. Ferlic stated the fact that the specialized skilled workers get paid for their particular skill /trade of construction is great, they earned it and the skilled deserve it. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. There being no one else present wishing to speak to the Council in favor of or in opposition to this Resolution, Councilmember Derek made a motion to adopt this bill. Councilmember Valerie Schey seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (8) aye (1) nay by Councilmember Dr. David Varner. BILLS - FIRST READING BILL NO. 08 -15 FIRST READING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 10346 -15 IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 11 THEREOF AND OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH AND REPEALING ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH This bill had first reading. Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to refer this bill to the Community Investment Committee and set for Public Hearing and Third Reading on March 09, 2015. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., advised that he is not satisfied with Graffiti removal on the Westside, snow on sidewalks that hasn't been removed in school zones and the lawn parking that isn't being enforced. Davis questions whether or not City Code Enforcement has enough or equate resources to do their jobs. Davis states that he wants to address quality of life issues. Council President Tim Scott, states the questions should be addressed in writing and forwarded to the Chairperson of the Health and Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Dieter, Chairperson of Health and Public Safety, stated that once concerns are received he'll forward to the appropriate departments in the administration and ask that a report/update be given under City reports at the following Council meeting.